New Autumn Blanket Pattern

 

Whenever I'm commissioned to knit or crochet something special for a customer, I always write up the pattern.  A cozy throw to cuddle up in on crisp autumn days was the request.  I love when the client puts their trust in me to select colors for them as choosing colors in one of my strong suits. 

Gorgeous colors of plum, cranberry, pumpkin, golden yellow and leafy green crocheted together like the autumn colors of a changing maple tree.

Big enough at 64" L x 41" W for some cozy couch snuggling.

Crocheted to look like fine linen with a simple single crochet border.

I Love This Yarn by Hobby Lobby has THE best colors anywhere!  Very soft and machine washable.  

Customer is VERY happy and so am I!  We all know how it makes the heart soar when something we have created and put so much time into is loved.  

Find this crochet hook at The Clay Bean Co. on etsy.  If you don't see what you want, just send Kelli a convo and she'll get right back to you.  She's a great seller and easy to work with.

Find the Fall Back Blanket pattern here: 

Etsy

Craftsy

Ravelry or  

Happy fall to all,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

I always enclose a little care instruction card, along with some yarn in each of the colors, in my packages that reads:

Not a very good photo....it's more blue.  You can find the paper in almost any store that carries scrap booking supplies.  I just line up the wording on a business card template, then print and cut them out.

Collecting Polymer Needles and Hooks

Last month I posted about my handcrafted crochet hook collection.  Kelli over at The Clay Bean Co. on etsy does the most amazing things with polymer clay.  Such intricate work.  I've created a number of things with polymer clay, so I can tell you, it's not always that easy.

I bought the hedgehog needles for my mom.  She has a birthday coming up and hedgehogs are one of her favorite wee beasties! So shiny and intricate.  The pink "cheeks" and the face is pinched just enough.  Oh so darling!

 

But this hook just makes me smile.  I keep picking it up and looking at it.  Rolling it around with my fingers...its fat, wooly self.  Admiring its Wallace & Gromit(ish) little face and tiny "feet".

Its bum!

The grassy field with flowers.  All the other little sheep romping around.  It doesn't show up that well, but if you look closely, you can see the grey one that might be "the black sheep" of the family. 

This the photo from last months blog.  If you don't see what you want at The Clay Bean Co., just send Kelli a note.  She's great to work with!

Thanks for stopping by,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

Having trouble seeing the stitches when using black yarn?  Lay a white pillowcase, dishtowel or napkin across your lap.

My Hand Crafted Crochet Hook Collection

Are you a collector of "things"?  I am.  I love so many things.  Tiny tins, charms of places I travel to for my charm bracelet, Christmas ornaments of the same places and most recently, crochet hooks.

I saw the fox hook on instagram that was posted by repeatcrafterme .  

I popped right over to visit Kelli at TheClayBeanCo.https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheClayBeanCo.  Fell in love with so many of her "things".  The Fox, Fawn and Corn were my hooks of choice.  The shop owner was quick to answer any questions, great customer service and the package arrived on time in great condition.

 

These are just so dang cute and very well made and look just like the picture on the listing.  If you like the fox, just send her a note to make one for you.  I especially like that the thumb rest is left exposed.

 Kelli also has knitting needles!

 

Maybe for my daughter at Christmas.  She does knit, but has a very busy life.  She'd wear these in her hair stuck in a bun.

Mom has a love of hedgehogs, so I'll get these for her upcoming birthday or Christmas.

 

There are adorable stitch markers as well.

 

I love these from Lisa at Polka Dot Cottage.  The granny hook on the right is a fav of mine.  If you buy 3 or more you get $2 off each hook!  They are bright and colorful and very well made too.

 

I'm sure you have all seen the Furls crochet hooks on various social media sites.  To be honest, I haven't tried using this one yet, but it's gorgeous!

 

Not the greatest photo of this one by korutumi.  A little Geisha girl.  These are on Etsy and she has....

Buttons and stitch markers too!

Fun, zodiac gift set would be a great gift for your hooker buddy!

A small collection right now, but a very affordable addiction!

Have a great weekend,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

I never travel with my treasured hooks or knitting needles.  Not even by car.  They can get lost, stolen or confiscated by an airline employee.  For air travel, I take a generic hook or needles in my carry on project bag and pack my better notions in my luggage. 

Hand Crafted Crochet Hooks

Hope this find you cozy and warm!  It's FREEZING here in the midwest!  So cold that I'm hesitant to leave the house.  Not even the cutest coat and stylish boots can tempt me to brave 7 degrees with a wind chill of -20.  The silver lining is, the sun is out and it's perfect weather for crocheting or knitting blankets.  Bright yarn, a cup of tea and a movie on the television suits me just fine.  

Look at these fun hooks from Lisa Clarke of PolkaDotCottage,  Lisa hand makes these using polymer clay and I just love them!  I treated myself to a Christmas present and I so enjoy hooking with these beauties.  You can request a flat thumb spot or completely round.  All mine are flat.  The size is embedded on the end.  I really like the "granny square" one on the far right.  Her prices are great considering how much time it takes to make them.

They are $18.00 each, but, if you purchase 3, as I did, you get $2.00 off of each hook.  Below are some photos from her shop.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend,

Sheila

Yarn tip:

To avoid a ruffled border on a crocheted blanket, go down one or two hooks sizes.

Here is the information from the PolkaDotCottage site:

Metal hooks with comfortable and decorative polymer handles

[Jump to: custom ordering | ready-to-ship hooks | my crochet patterns!]
These crochet hooks are metal, available in several brands and sizes, and the handles are made by me from durable polymer clay, in one of my signature millefiori designs.
The color and finish on the handles is inherent in the clay. No paints or sealers are used, so there is no possibility of chipping. Each handle is baked right on to its hook and cannot slip off. After baking, the handles are wet-sanded through several grits of sandpaper, and then buffed to a nice shine. They are exceedingly smooth, and pleasant to hold.
Do you experience pain in your hands when you crochet? I am told that these special handles are quite comfortable to hold, and help to stave off joint pain.
Handles may be made completely round, or with a depressed grip for your thumb. And, so you never have to wonder if you have the right size hook, the letter size is embedded in the end of the handle.
Do you have special preferences when it comes to your crochet hook handles? I will be happy to work with you to create a tool tailored to your needs, that will be both as comfortable and as beautiful as possible.
Price: $18 per hook

COUPONS

• Buy 3 or more, get $2 off each hook. Use voucher code: 3HOOKS
• Buy 6 or more, get $3 off each hook. Use voucher code: 6HOOKS

A note regarding manufactured hook color: I have no control over the colors of the aluminum hooks, or the quality of their factory paint jobs. Sometimes there are spots where the underlying silver shows through. This is especially true of the Susan Bates hooks. It's just the way they came in the package!